Valentine’s Treats Without the Sugar High

If you’re like me, you strongly oppose the idea that Valentine’s is an over-rated holiday created by the retail industry to make us buy things we don’t need — or that it’s an excuse to eat an insane amount of heart shaped candies and chocolates. Not to mention the flowers and cards we have to buy, all to prove our undying affection to those we love.

Okay, fine. It might be a little overrated, but I admit I’m a hopeless romantic. My husband tries to convince me every year, but I stand my ground and embrace the “love is in the air” hype. Honestly, I do it for my kids. On Feb. 14th, we wear red (and pink), handwrite special notes, and make yummy treats.

Simply Sweet Valentine’s Treats:

However, as a nutritionist and, most importantly, a mom, I know that treats with all that added sugar can turn south pretty quick. Kids bouncing off the walls? No, thank you. So, instead of buying Valentine’s treats full of added sugar, dyes and artificial flavors, I go on a mission to find simple, yet healthy Valentine’s Day treats.

Here are some of the treats we make in our home. Try them out, and feel free to adapt any ingredient to your taste or preference.

1. Heart-shaped fruit:

This one is easy as pie! No baking required. Simply cutting red fruit in heart shapes is all we need to get us in a festive mood. Kids love helping with this one too, so get your heart-shaped cookie cutters ready.

My favorite fruit to use is watermelon. Kiwis are fun, too!

Cut watermelon in slices from 1/2” to 1”

Lay flat and cut your little heart out using the cookie cutter!

Add blueberries or other fruit of your choice.

2. Dried strawberries:

This is also super easy, super healthy, and some even say they taste like Twizzlers! Simply buy fresh strawberries (organic if you can, since berries are some of the most heavily sprayed produce) and bake them in the oven for a few hours. The kiddos might get impatient waiting, but these little treats are worth the wait! Can’t go wrong with a simple treat that tastes like nature’s candy.

Buy organic strawberries & wash thoroughly

Cut off the tops in a V-shape so they resemble hearts.

Bake in the oven for 3 hours at 210 degrees F.

3. Chocolate Raspberry Truffles:

If you have a chocolate-lover in your house, this will not disappoint. Topped with sea salt, they are the perfect amount of sweet & salty. These are also a favorite at my house since my son and I are gluten-intolerant, and these treats can be made with coconut or almond flour. The dark chocolate provides antioxidants as well and the Medjool dates give it the right amount of sweetness.

4. Berry Ladybugs:

These make a great edible craft! You’ll need strawberries, blueberries, dark chocolate chips and a candy decorating bag. If your kids prefer milk chocolate, you can certainly switch out the dark chocolate for the milk chocolate, although typically milk chocolate will contain more sugar. But, since berries are already low in sugar and high in fiber, we’ll let it slide.

Remove the tops of the strawberries by cutting in a V-shape

Cut them lengthwise.

Melt chocolate chips according to instructions and decorate strawberries, using the blueberries as little ladybug heads.

Of course, the most important step is to enjoy making these sweet treats with your family. And if you don’t get the hand-written love note (or the flowers), don’t worry— the chocolate truffles will make it all better!

About Melissa

Melissa has been in the RGV for almost a year now, having moved from the metro Atlanta area with her husband, Jaime and two sweet boys, Jaime Jr. and Isaac. Melissa is a Nutritional Therapist who focuses on helping people with food sensitivities and autoimmune disorders. When she’s not busy seeing clients, Melissa enjoys pilates, reading the latest on health and nutrition, whipping up healthy meals, and drinking wine with friends when she’s not bonding with her boys over loud music and dancing. Likewise, she enjoys discovering new places to eat around town and supporting local farm-to-table restaurants as well as shopping at local businesses.